Photovoltaic Converter Cover Wafer for Low-Loss Current Spreading
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Photovoltaic power converters face challenges in achieving higher power output and power density due to resistive and thermal losses, with existing solutions like front metallization and thick lateral conductive layers either introducing shading or being complex to fabricate.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaic power converter design featuring a transparent and electrically conductive semiconductor cover wafer on the front side, which enhances electrical and thermal properties, and a contact metallization that facilitates effective current spreading and heat transfer, while minimizing parasitic optical losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If thick lateral conductive window layer is introduced to reduce resistive losses, then electrical conductivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent conductive oxide layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical conductivity to reduce resistive losses, maintains optical transparency to allow light transmission, and acts as a protective interface layer. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate thick conductive window layers, simplifying the overall device structure and fabrication process
2Loss of energy
If substrate thickness is increased to reduce thermal resistance, then thermal conductivity is improved, but device footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is constructed as a composite structure combining materials with high thermal conductivity in the thickness direction. This composite substrate provides efficient thermal pathways for heat dissipation while maintaining a thin overall profile, thus reducing thermal losses without increasing the device footprint
Solution Approach 2:
Thermal management is addressed by introducing vertical thermal pathways through the substrate thickness rather than relying on lateral heat dissipation. Heat sinks and thermal vias are positioned to conduct heat in the vertical dimension, enabling effective thermal management in a compact footprint
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution increases the efficiency of the photovoltaic power converter by reducing resistive losses, enhancing electrical conductivity, and improving heat dissipation, thereby enabling higher power output and power density without significant optical losses.
Implementation Method 1
Photovoltaic power converters (PVC) are semiconductor structures converting electromagnetic radiation emitted by a man-made electromagnetic radiation source into electric power
Implementation Method 2
the semiconductor cover wafer is electrically conductive
Implementation Method 3
Thermal losses can be tackled by decreasing the thermal resistance of the system
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~9
AI summary
The present application relates to a photovoltaic power converter comprising a photovoltaic layer, wherein the photovoltaic layer comprises a semiconductor junction, and wherein the photovoltaic layer is designed for absorbing an electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range, at least part of a semiconductor cover wafer, wherein the semiconductor cover wafer is transparent for the electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range, and wherein the semiconductor cover wafer is electrically conductive, and a contact metallization, wherein the contact metallization is in electrical contact with the semiconductor cover wafer.